RN Programs in West Virginia

West Virginia RN Program Guide

There are fewer than 20,000 registered nurses in the state of West Virginia. According to a recent study, less than half of those registered nurses have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher. There is a need, now more than ever, for bachelor’s-prepared nurses who are trained to lead and manage other nurses. Nursing schools across the state of West Virginia that offer online classes as well as traditional campus settings in addition to distance learning options. Nurses are encouraged to seek information from multiple schools to make the best decision possible.

In our West Virginia RN program guide, you will find both ADN and BSN Degree program rankings, tuition costs, enrollment information, NCLEX passing rates, and more. You will find key West Virginia RN Program information to help you compare programs metrics and apply to best RN program(s) for the advancement of your career.

The State of West Virginia offers 20 RN programs in 17 different cities. Public institutions offer 11 of the RN programs in the state while there are 3 private, for-profit and 6 private, not-for-profit schools that make up the rest.

In the State of West Virginia, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.

Nurses who graduate from an RN program are able to then obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties.

Find your ideal program from information and data in our guide to West Virginia RN Programs.

ADN Programs in West Virginia

Because there is a push to educate West Virginia nurses to the baccalaureate level, it is easier to find RN programs or even BSN programs than it is to find LPN to RN programs.  However, there are some options available and the programs produce quality nurses.

NCLEX Passing Rates for West Virginia  ADN Programs

Davis & Elkins College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in West Virginia of 100.00%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $18,244.00 a year.

• ADN Programs Offered in West Virginia: 10
• Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 88.90%
• NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 70.94% to 100.00%

How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in West Virginia?

We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in West Virginia so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.

When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.

The lowest cost ADN program in West Virginia is offered by Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College at about $3,321.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 89.78%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by  Salem International University and it will cost about $21,933.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 70.94%.

• Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inWest Virginia: $10,593.10
• Net-Price Range for West Virginia ADN Programs: $3,321.00 to $21,933.00

Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs

• Average Student Borrowing for West Virginia Schools: $11,123.90
• Student borrowing range for ADN programs in West Virginia: $4,644.00 to $16,000.00

ADN Programs at Public or Private Institutions

• Public Institutions: 7
• Private For-Profit Institutions: 2
• Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 1

BSN Programs in West Virginia

The nursing programs in West Virginia are designed to help nurses build critical thinking, leadership, and working with a diverse population. Most of the programs can be completes within three semesters of full-time study. They can also be completed on a part-time schedule to meet the need of busy, working nurses. In order to enroll in a BSN program, nurses will need to submit a valid registered nurse license for West Virginia, and official transcript with a 2.5 GPA or higher, and completion of prerequisite courses.

NCLEX Passing Rates for West Virginia BSN Programs

University of Charleston wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in West Virginia with a score of 95.20%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $18,114.00 a year.

• BSN Programs Offered in West Virginia: 9
• Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 88.68%
• NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 81.02% to 95.20%

How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in West Virginia?

We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in West Virginia to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.

The lowest cost BSN degree program in West Virginia is offered by Marshall University and will cost you about $8,457.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 88.73%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by West Virginia Wesleyan College and will cost you about $18,348.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 86.08%.

• Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in West Virginia: $13,691.11
• Net-Price Range for West Virginia BSN Programs: $8,457.00 to $18,348.00

Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs

• Average Student Borrowing for West Virginia Schools: $15,320.11
• Student borrowing range for BSN programs in West Virginia: $9,500.00 to $19,107.00

BSN Programs at Public or Private Institutions

• Public Institutions: 4
• Private For-Profit Institutions: 0
• Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 5

MSN Programs in West Virginia

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in West Virginia offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

West Virginia RN Licensing Requirements

West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses
101 Dee Drive, Suite 102
Charleston, WV 25311
(304) 558-3596

Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $51.50
License renewal (annual), RN: $65

Continuing Education Requirements:
12 contact hours per renewal period

RN Licensure by Exams

Candidates must complete a criminal background check before obtaining licensure. Candidates should schedule an appointment with L-1 Identity Solutions in order to meet this requirement. Scheduling can be completed online. The application fee is $51.50 and there is an additional $200 fee that is made payable to Pearson VUE, the company that hosts the NCLEX exam. There are two certifications that must be included with the application: someone who can attest to the good moral character of the candidate and one from the director or dean of the nursing program. A candidate may be issued a 90-day temporary permit after graduation but it will become invalidated if the is unsuccessful in passing the NCLEX exam on the first attempt. In this case, the candidate will need to reapply and pay additional fees. After two failed attempts, there will be additional requirements that will need to be met before obtaining authorization again.

RN License by Endorsement

Nurses who obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states will be able to obtain licensure by endorsement in the state of West Virginia after submitting fingerprints at a local law enforcement agency.

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

In some cases nurses who completed a program outside of the United States will also be able to obtain licensure in West Virginia. Candidates will be required to submit certification by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools prior to applying to take the NCLEX exam through the Board. There is a $60 fee for the endorsement.

RN Salaries in West Virginia

The demand for nurses could grow by 23% by the year 2020 which may create up to 4,000 new jobs. Nurses who have obtained a bachelor’s degree will find that they are well prepared to handle the constantly evolving industry. Nurses in West Virginia earn a median income level of $53,100. The specific wages are dependent on the education and experience level of the individual nurse. Baccalaureate-prepared nurses receive training in leadership and management, which prepares them for administrative positions within hospitals and nursing homes.

West Virginia Registered Nursing Salaries

The Charleston metropolitan area has the highest number of employed registered nurses along with the highest hourly wage and annual median wage.

Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data

Best RN Programs in West Virginia